Lauren Nancy Mastrobuono Professor Jay Fogleman Jr. EDC102H September 16, 2009
Reach for the Stars
It's hard to say what the most significant thing one learns in school is. Is it the lessons that are taught within the chalk covered walls? Is it the values that are gained through trials and tribulations with peers? Is it the experiences obtained by participating in sports and extra curricular activities? Realistically, it's a combination of all these things that help us develop and enrich our lives.
Personally, I would say that my fourth grade experience impacted my life the most. It was in that grade amid crayons, glue and construction paper that I realized my true potential as a reader and writer. While the school was like most middle class, public schools in the area, the quality of my teacher was what made all the difference. Some people diminish the value of truly teachers. I, however, believe that they make all the difference in the world in molding the lives of the students that they work with. I was lucky enough to be educated by one of these amazing teachers.
From the first day of fourth grade, my teacher noticed my eagerness to read and encouraged it. She gave me opportunities to read out loud in front of the class which helped build my confidence and increase my self esteem. Furthermore, some of my writing was shown to classes as an example. This new found confidence taught me about all the potential I had that I never noticed before. Interestingly enough it's the articles that I wrote in my fourth grade classroom that I remember the most.
At Christmas time as everyone was making paper candy canes and paper plate Santa faces I wrote a poem that is still ingrained in my mind. The poem went; "Santa, Santa, that is me. I will bounce you on my knee. Make a wish and make it true, I will grant it just for you. Wish for a pony, wish for a frog. Wish for a hamster, wish for a hog. Oh little one you shine with glee, I will bounce you on my knee." I believe that the fact that I can recite this simple poem by heart shows how proud I was of myself at the age of ten.
From this experience of being validated by a genuine and wonderful teacher I gained the confidence that I still have today. Reading became a hobby of mine after fourth grade and I got to dive into adventure after adventure. I explored the towers of Hogwarts with Harry Potter, I felt love's first kiss with Noah Calhoun, I encountered teenage rebellion with Holden Caulfiend. Being encouraged to pursue reading at such a young age led me to years of exploration through novel after novel.
I still carry the confidence I gained in fourth grade with me. Being showcased as a child has taught me to put my best effort into the work that I produce because it is worth it. Whether people see it or not, mediocrity is not recognized or acceptable. My standards for myself grew immensely because of the lessons of perseverance that my teacher instilled in me and I will never let myself sink below those standards. Whether it be now in my third year of college or later in life when I am in the real world, I will always strive to do any task presented to me to the best of my ability.
Lauren Nancy Mastrobuono
Professor Jay Fogleman Jr.
EDC102H
September 16, 2009
Reach for the Stars
It's hard to say what the most significant thing one learns in school is. Is it the lessons that are taught within the chalk covered walls? Is it the values that are gained through trials and tribulations with peers? Is it the experiences obtained by participating in sports and extra curricular activities? Realistically, it's a combination of all these things that help us develop and enrich our lives.
Personally, I would say that my fourth grade experience impacted my life the most. It was in that grade amid crayons, glue and construction paper that I realized my true potential as a reader and writer. While the school was like most middle class, public schools in the area, the quality of my teacher was what made all the difference. Some people diminish the value of truly teachers. I, however, believe that they make all the difference in the world in molding the lives of the students that they work with. I was lucky enough to be educated by one of these amazing teachers.
From the first day of fourth grade, my teacher noticed my eagerness to read and encouraged it. She gave me opportunities to read out loud in front of the class which helped build my confidence and increase my self esteem. Furthermore, some of my writing was shown to classes as an example. This new found confidence taught me about all the potential I had that I never noticed before. Interestingly enough it's the articles that I wrote in my fourth grade classroom that I remember the most.
At Christmas time as everyone was making paper candy canes and paper plate Santa faces I wrote a poem that is still ingrained in my mind. The poem went; "Santa, Santa, that is me. I will bounce you on my knee. Make a wish and make it true, I will grant it just for you. Wish for a pony, wish for a frog. Wish for a hamster, wish for a hog. Oh little one you shine with glee, I will bounce you on my knee." I believe that the fact that I can recite this simple poem by heart shows how proud I was of myself at the age of ten.
From this experience of being validated by a genuine and wonderful teacher I gained the confidence that I still have today. Reading became a hobby of mine after fourth grade and I got to dive into adventure after adventure. I explored the towers of Hogwarts with Harry Potter, I felt love's first kiss with Noah Calhoun, I encountered teenage rebellion with Holden Caulfiend. Being encouraged to pursue reading at such a young age led me to years of exploration through novel after novel.
I still carry the confidence I gained in fourth grade with me. Being showcased as a child has taught me to put my best effort into the work that I produce because it is worth it. Whether people see it or not, mediocrity is not recognized or acceptable. My standards for myself grew immensely because of the lessons of perseverance that my teacher instilled in me and I will never let myself sink below those standards. Whether it be now in my third year of college or later in life when I am in the real world, I will always strive to do any task presented to me to the best of my ability.